Are you wondering what to watch on Netflix this weekend? No need to worry, my list of 15 Must watch thriller/ Mystery series on Netflix India is here.
Even if you are not addicted to Netflix or any other OTT platform, I am sure the past 2 years have given you some exposure to it. Netflix & other OTT platforms have been a coping mechanism for us during the lockdown. If you have read my previous articles, you know Thriller and Mystery are my favorite genres.
This time I have compiled the best (my favorite) thriller and mystery series of 2021 on Netflix. I have been thinking of writing this for a long time, but the second half of 2021 was more of traveling.
But now that we are back to lockdown modes (weekend curfews), I think it is the right time to share my favorite list with you.
Best thriller/ Mystery series on Netflix India
1. Aranyak (2021)
IMDb: 8/10
The comeback series of 90s superstar Raveena Tandon is an impressive one. The story revolves around the suspicious disappearance and murder of a girl. The plot is a mix of political agenda, supernatural powers, mystery animals or creatures, etc., making this series gripping and full of twists and turns. Raveena Tandan, Parambrata Chattopadhyay, and Ashutosh Rana have given steeler performances. The clash between Raveena Tandon, a small-town cop and, Parambrata Chattopadhyay as the modern progressive cop is interesting.
2. Squid Games (2021)
IMDb: 8/10
I was not keen on watching this series (after watching hunger games and a few similar ones, I thought it would be the same too), but its sheer popularity, made me curious to watch this insane series. The plot revolves around, 456 cash strapped participants invited to play a series of children’s games to win a handsome cash prize Everything sounds fun until they all learn that the consequence of losing a game is
death.
3.You Season 3 (2021)
IMDb: 7.7/2021
If you have seen the previous 2 seasons of You, I am sure you would have watched season 3 by now. After waiting for a year, we binged watched it in a single day. Like the previous 2 seasons, season 3 is full of suspense, witts, and excitement. The only difference is this times Joe Goldberg, the lead character finds a tough match from his equal psychopath wife Love. The story revolves around how both try to outsmart each other while keeping the central theme alive (Joe getting attracted to his new interest).
4. The Chestnut man (2021)
IMDb: 7.7/10
Based on the book of the same name by Soren Sveistrup, The Chestnut man is a European crime thriller revolving around police trying to find a serial killer, who leaves a handmade chestnut man after every murder. The cops try to connect the recent cases and a missing persons case from a year ago. After watching several European crime series, I can say it was not extremely exciting or gripping. It’s a good one-time watch.
5. The Serpent (2021)
IMDb: 7.6/10
Have you ever heard of Charles Sobhraj? A sensational French serial killer, who lured, robbed, and killed young tourists in South Asia. With its eight episodes, the unnerving series takes you on a journey of the crimes, modus operandi, and how they caught him. I loved the storyline and cinematography. It takes you visually to the glamourous hippie era of the 1970s. Actor Tahar Rahim has brilliantly played the lead role of the cold-blooded serpent.
6. Lupin (2021)
IMDb: 7.5/10
Engaging, thrilling & gripping! Lupin has everything you need in a good thriller series. I would say, a perfect Masala series (in Bollywood terms) made with French charm. The series is inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, a fictional gentleman thief and master of disguise created in 1905 by French writer Maurice Leblanc. In the series, the protagonist sets out to avenge his father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family. Both the seasons of Lupin are equally engaging. Actor Omar Sy has done a brilliant job of being a classy thief.
7. House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths (2021)
IMDb: 7.5/10
Warning! Eerie and creepy, it does not leave you with a good feeling. This docuseries is based on mysteries surrounding the death of 11 members of a family in Delhi. A true incident happened in the Delhi neighborhood in June 2018. Suicide, murder, or something else? You will keep wondering as was everyone during the investigation. The series also throws light on mental health, superstitions, belief in cults, etc. In the end, it’s sad, crazy believes that led to the death of all the members of the family.
8. Behind her eyes (2021)
IMDb: 7.2/10
A familiar and mundane story. A single mother trying to manage her life begins an affair with her boss, she befriends Bosses, a lonely wife, so on and so forth. Until you reach the very end, where the crazy and weird twist awaits you. Something shocking and unbelievable. I would recommend you watch this psychological drama for its unexpected ending if not anything else (I am not giving it away, find for yourself). The story is adapted from Sarah Pinborough’s novel of the same name.
9. Crime scene – The vanishing at Cecil Hotel (2021)
IMDb: 5.9/10
Do not go by the ratings. I loved how this Docu-series is scripted and filmed. Each episode unveils a twist, making you watch the next one. Based on a true story, it narrates the tragic death of a Canadian student, Elisa Lam, in Los Angeles in 2013. All the episodes are gripping (except a few dragging scenes in between) with the possibility of conspiracy theory. The elevator footage of Elisa’s final moments is scary and will give you goosebumps. But I am not telling you more! This sad story also throws light on the ugly part of every big city, in this case, Los Angeles.
10. Don’t F**k with cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019)
IMDb: 8/10
This is one of the most interesting, and weird (at the same time) docuseries I have seen so far. Watching it makes you realize the sheer power of the internet. The show starts with a psychopath uploading a video of killing the kittens. A group of amateur internet sleuths trying to find the killer ultimately led them to catch a serial killer. This 3-part series is gripping and keeps your interest alive till the end. Do watch for yourself if you haven’t watched it yet.
11. Criminal UK (2019)
IMDb: 7.6/10
Caution: If you like watching visual storytelling, you may find the Criminal UK boring. This series is different from others, as it focuses more on narration (auditory). You need to listen carefully to understand the plot. The entire series is filmed in the confines of the police interview room, where police and the suspects engage in conversation to establish the case. Being a visual person, initially, I didn’t find it interesting, but after watching 2-3 episodes, I loved it. It’s interesting to watch how the case is established with the help of twisted questions and the power of observation.
12. The twelve (2019)
IMDb: 7.5/10
This show reminded me of the movie Ek Ruka Hua faisla (it’s a 1986 classic movie, watch it if you haven’t. or 12 Angry men (1957). The story is based on a group of 12 ordinary citizens selected as a jury for a case. Their decision is important to decide the fate of the accused in the case, but apart from this case, each one of them is struggling with their issues and problems. It’s not a nail-biting thriller, but a good one-time watch (when you don’t have anything else on your list)
13. The Chalet/ Le Chalet (2018)
IMDb: 7/10
The location shown in the trailer attracted me to this series. Shot at the remote location in French Alps, the Chalet is a story of a group of friends who return to their village, to celebrate their friend’s wedding. The moment they enter the remote location, fatal accidents, murders, and mishaps start to happen. The storyline is interesting (although not unique, you would have seen similar shows in the past too) and compelling. The suspense level builds up in each episode. In the first episode, I confused it for a horror show.
14. Wanted (2016- 2018)
IMDb: 7.6/10
This is one of my favorite series. Women protagonist, thrilling storyline, or the refreshing Australian location (I had seen enough of European and American shows till then), I don’t know what drew me more towards it. I guess a combination of all these elements.
The story follows two strangers getting caught in a deadly car hijacking incident and how their lives entangle into a series of thrilling chases across Australia. This series is full of adventures, thrilling escapes, and wits involving these two opposite women. Watch it if you haven’t! I am sure, you will thank me for suggesting it.
15. Marcella (2016)
IMDb: 7.4/10
A dark British detective series that revolves around the personal and professional life of British detective Marcella. Trying to cope up with her nasty separation and adjusting to being a single mom, Marcella tries to crack the case. If you love dark shows ( at times, they get depressing too) you will like this series.
So, this was my list of recommended series and docuseries for you. I will be back soon with more. Till then, do let me know if you liked watching these series.
Sit tight, stay safe and keep binging!
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